Jackals Slip Past Titans in Overtime

The final clash of season between the Elmira Jackals and Trenton Titans ended by a familiar score, 2-1. The Titans earned a point by virtue of an overtime loss.

The Trenton Titans were bolstered by the return of defenseman Mitch Versteeg to the lineup after he was out for several weeks with a shoulder injury. Versteeg’s return settled down a blue line that has been very weak since January.

Also joining the Titans was former Harvard captain Ryan Grimshaw, who made his ECHL debut. Titans coach Vince Williams was impressed by Grimshaw’s puck moving skills.

“He makes a good first pass,” Williams said. “He’s also a leader.”

As for the game, the Titans season long problem of allowing an early goal continued, as Mike Radja would bury a rebound from Titans goalie Dave Caruso 3:28 into the game. The Titans finished the period with a 12-8 lead in shots. However, the advantage was a product of two failed power plays rather than actual control of the puck.

The second period picked up with the Jackals getting themselves in more penalty trouble. Ray DiLauro would finally find the back of the net with eight seconds left in Trenton’s fifth power play of the game. Matt Campanale’s high-sticking penalty had given the Titans the man advantage. Titans Captain Randy Rowe set a perfect screen for a DiLauro slapshot that Jackals goalie Timo Pielmeier had no chance of stopping.

The third period was uneventful as both teams seemed content to play for overtime. In overtime, DiLauro took a hooking call while negating an odd man rush. Just 16 seconds later, Artem Demkov beat Caruso to win the game for Elmira.

Notes and Observations

Before the game, the Titans announced the sale of the team to Delaware Valley Sports Group LLC. Stay tuned to TCL-Flyers for more on this developing story.

Tyler Hostetter (D) was officially placed on injured reserve with a dislocated shoulder, ending his season.

Anthony Felice (G) was added to replace Brad Phillips who is called up to the AHL. Phillips is filling the spot vacated by Jason Bacashihua who was called up to the Flyers in light of Ilya Bryzgalov’s foot injury.